This is a problem. The EEC has mutated from a free trade organisation into the EU. The EU is not what people signed up to.
Genuinely do not get this view that EU responsible for certain types of standard like workers, environment, hygiene. No evidence to suggest British govts of any political hue are incapable of creating such legislation of their own. We can change govts every 5 years to ensure we get the legislation we need.
It's become an elitist view from Brussels (not necessarily from European govts) that only they can create proper legislation.
The problem with Brexit is that once a decision was made to leave people/politicians etc. did not get together to put forward a unified response from Parliament to the EU.
Remainers seem to to think if a 2nd referendum is held that everyone will get behind the outcome. Hasn't happened with the 1st one. Sure Brussels does not want a large number of hostile MEPs arriving if UK is forced to field candidates in summer elections.
I'm an expat now and apart from a few countries like Germany there is a lot of concern at the way control is being centralised in many areas govts didn't sign up to.
Whilst there are concerns, there are also EU elections every 5 years. The EU council is composed of people who stand for elections every few years. The EU doesn’t replace countries own government for law making. Countries are not restricted to minimum standards, but having minimum standards creates a more equal Europe. The EU is about creating a Europe without wars and where all Europeans have protected minimum rights.